Bio:
The great architect, I am 33-year-old architect, director + mother living and working in London. I co-own a small practice in London with Spanish architect + director Bertino Ramirez. The practice is situated in an old converted tea factory harmoniously named Green Tea Architects. As a practice, we are passionate about good design and ethical practice and responsible action. I strives to promote the need for an inclusive culture and is committed to placing social value at the core of the practice.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Architecture for me is a feeling connected to the senses. So I would say I first learn about architecture as a teenager whilst on holidays with my family visiting new places & buildings. I decided that architecture was an area of interest at college.

What do you do?
I currently work as an architect and director at GTA. I also engage with schools, universities and ad-hoc events to help to break down industry norms and encourage people from a broad range of backgrounds to consider a career in construction.

What excites you in the work you do?
Seeing an idea that you had envisioned in your mind physically formed and crafted into reality. What’s more seeing the benefits the built environment can have on an individual, a family, community a city. 

Who or what inspires you professionally?
The next generation and our changing world inspires me. We have to be forward-thinking about our future & innovation. How will be live, how will we build, how will we interact and travel? All of the above affects the built environment. 
 
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Being part of a small diverse team that designed & delivered an innovative educational building.The school provides an effective learning environment for current and future generations providing for the enrichment of the local area for years to come.

Featured Project Name: 
Our Lady & St. Joseph Catholic Primary School

Featured Project Location: 
Tower Hamlets, London, UK
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2014

Role in Featured Project: 
Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
The school was designed to create an inspirational learning environment for the children and families in Tower Hamlets, an area hosting the highest level of child poverty in the UK. The ideas of ‘growth’ and ‘wonder’ in the initial design period led to an architectural expression which utilised a radial plan to achieve the experience of ‘bigger on the inside’, an idea inspired by the Narnia stories of CS Lewis. The school constructed using CLT was an efficient and innovative use of resources.

Photography Credit:
Martin Cleveland